Yes I know I have been pretty silent these past few days, but I'm back. To begin with, good morning with this very nice video
Dreamscapes from Jonathan Besler on Vimeo.
Monday, December 30, 2013
Tuesday, December 24, 2013
These cats have Jobs
And very important ones by the way!
Picked up for you by the blog co-owner, Nazca!
Read more on listverse.com
Picked up for you by the blog co-owner, Nazca!
Read more on listverse.com
Thursday, December 19, 2013
Wednesday, December 18, 2013
Monday, December 16, 2013
Sunday, December 15, 2013
About reality of life
How do I know that I’m not just a fictional character in some imagined
story? What could I learn about myself that would prove that I’m real?
“I am human, male, brunette, etc., but none of that helps,” writes UCLA
philosopher Terence Parsons. “I see people, talk to them, etc., but so
did Sherlock Holmes.”
More at Futility Closet
More at Futility Closet
Saturday, December 14, 2013
A special day today!
1 year ago, I was leaving the hospital after my 4th rehab. I was not sure that I would remain sober, after 3 relapses. But a day at a time, I finally reached this big step. One year. in spite of the difficulties, professional, financial, personal, I overcame this addiction. Its only a step I know, but I can tell you, Life is now really better.
Below is a fantastic video about alcoholism and sobriety. Funny too
Below is a fantastic video about alcoholism and sobriety. Funny too
Via Upworthy
Thursday, December 12, 2013
Tuesday, December 10, 2013
Sunday, December 8, 2013
Saturday, December 7, 2013
Friday, December 6, 2013
A great Man
It was 41 or 42 years ago. I was around 13. My mother had subscribed me to the UNESCO Courier.
One day arrived a special issue. It was about APARTHEID LAWS and showed the racial situation in South Africa. I knew about it at the time, but not in details. we were not taught that at school in those times. Are they even now, I wonder?
I was horrified. Rules about marriage, travel, place of residence, work?, For non whites of course. The incredible penalties if you broke these laws were also appalling.
Nelson Mandela was also mentioned as a famous prisoner, member of the ANC. Litlle by little, year after year, I heard more about South Africa, the apartheid, and the situation of "people of colour" there. And finally, in 1990, the incredible happened. De Klerk freed Mandela and they decided to end apartheid.
I've never been to South Africa. I went to Zimbabwe in he 80's after Independence. The white population was fleeing the country, and, not being able to bring all their belongings with them, would spend months in hotels in Harare. It created a sort of colony of bitter, racist people living their last hours of glory. Pitiful.
To go back to South Africa, the world realized very soon that Mandela was special. He was not (any more?) the ANC terrorist but a wise man looking for peace between South Africans. He appeared like a Gandhi, or a Mother Theresa. For a politician, this is quite unknown. He seemed uncorrupted by power, and loved by both his friends and his former foes.
He will remain in our memories forever as a Man of Peace
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Thursday, December 5, 2013
Wednesday, December 4, 2013
Mystery on Mars 3
Answer tomorrow. You still have time to guess.
Where are we? And what are we?
Leave your guesses in the comments!
For a tip on part of the answer: highlight the blue zone below
Send us 1 box of "salmon delicious bites" and a pouch of Party Mix Ocean Flavor
Where are we? And what are we?
Leave your guesses in the comments!
For a tip on part of the answer: highlight the blue zone below
Send us 1 box of "salmon delicious bites" and a pouch of Party Mix Ocean Flavor
Mystery on Mars 2
Here is a clue. A close up. Guess the place and try to know what hides there. There is a tiny difference!
Mystery on Mars 1
There is a mystery in this picture. Can you guess where it is?
Answer in the comments. another tip in a few hours
Answer in the comments. another tip in a few hours
Tuesday, December 3, 2013
Woman buys ‘new’ iPad from Target with past user’s personal information
This happened in Ontario, Canada. I would be very upset if I was the previous owner!
More at Yahoo
More at Yahoo
Image CTV
Monday, December 2, 2013
Are we a computer simulation?
If you have read my post about agnosticism, (If you haven't you should!), you know that I question our existence, our origin, and the universe.
There is a very interesting list on Listverse showing different theories about the fact we could be indeed a simulation:
"Philosophers as far back as Plato millennia ago speculated that what we see may not be real at all. With the advent of computers, the idea took on new life, especially in recent years, with films like Inception, Dark City, and the Matrix trilogy. Is it possible that the world is just a computer simulation?"
Read the list on Listverse
There is a very interesting list on Listverse showing different theories about the fact we could be indeed a simulation:
"Philosophers as far back as Plato millennia ago speculated that what we see may not be real at all. With the advent of computers, the idea took on new life, especially in recent years, with films like Inception, Dark City, and the Matrix trilogy. Is it possible that the world is just a computer simulation?"
Read the list on Listverse
Sunday, December 1, 2013
Saturday, November 30, 2013
Today in history
Mark Twain was born!
What a fantastic writer, thinker and humorist. One of my first book in english, given to me by my grandfather was Huckleberry Finn. Do you know that he was born the day the Halley comet came near earth and predicted that he would die when it would return. Its exactly what happened!
A few of his sayings:
What a fantastic writer, thinker and humorist. One of my first book in english, given to me by my grandfather was Huckleberry Finn. Do you know that he was born the day the Halley comet came near earth and predicted that he would die when it would return. Its exactly what happened!
A few of his sayings:
- A banker is a fellow who lends you his umbrella when the sun is shining, but wants it back the minute it begins to rain.
- Always do right. This will gratify some people and astonish the rest.
- Anyone who stops learning is old, whether twenty or eighty. Anyone who keeps learning stays young. The greatest thing you can do is keep your mind young.
- I have been through some terrible things in my life, some of which actually happened.
- In Paris they simply stared when I spoke to them in French; I never did succeed in making those idiots understand their language.
- It is better to keep your mouth closed and let people think you are a fool than to open it and remove all doubt.
- Most people are bothered by those passages of Scripture they do not understand, but the passages that bother me are those I do understand.
- Never put off until tomorrow what you can do the day after tomorrow.
- Suppose you were an idiot and suppose you were a member of Congress. But I repeat myself.
- Politicians and diapers must be changed often, and for the same reason
- Of all God's creatures there is only one that cannot be made the slave of the lash. That one is the cat. If man could be crossed with cat it would improve man, but it would deteriorate the cat.
Friday, November 29, 2013
Basic first aid tips
First aid should be taught since first grade. Everyone should know this basic tips. I was lucky to b ble to follow courses and
And dont forget that in Europe there is an emergency number, the 112 (by cell phone) that will get you help if you don't know the country emergency numbers
Click on this link to know more about it
8-basic-life-saving-skills-everyone-should-know
And dont forget that in Europe there is an emergency number, the 112 (by cell phone) that will get you help if you don't know the country emergency numbers
Click on this link to know more about it
8-basic-life-saving-skills-everyone-should-know
Thursday, November 28, 2013
English vs French numbers
As I have said before, I love maths and numbers. I found this little jewel of a video comparing the way English speaking people and French speaking people count. It funny and educational!
Black Friday chaos
The poorer I became, the more I'm shocked by these behaviours. Don't get me wrong, I loved shopping, and even was sort of a compulsive buyer, but more more I feel the need for a simpler life. Getting only the necessities. Stop and smell the flowers, listen to good music, read a book, and take pictures. Even if I could, I wouldn't go for the latest gadget or camera. Mine is good enough. When I look back on all the unnecessary things I bough in the past and never used, I feel sad and ashamed.
Via bitsandpieces
Via bitsandpieces
Wednesday, November 27, 2013
A little girl and her cat; Beautiful pictures
“We Are The Cats” – Photographer Andy Prokher took this amazing picture
of his daughter, Katherine (Kat), and her best friend and pet, Lilu
More at likes.com
More at likes.com
Tuesday, November 26, 2013
Being blind as a kid
I have some blind friends, and I used to be astonished how well they managed. One of them lives outside Paris with his wife an 2 children (and a guide dog) when he comes over, you could barely know he is blind if you did not know.
Below is a very nice video about a blind ma recalling his childhood.
Below is a very nice video about a blind ma recalling his childhood.
A late pardon
It's been 80 years since nine innocent black teenagers, ranging in age
from 13 to 19, were falsely accused of raping two white women. This
week, the last of their convictions were finally pardoned.
Read the rest at theweek.com
Read the rest at theweek.com
Monday, November 25, 2013
Avry wise and funny speech about happiness by the Dalai Lama
Simple words, funny words, this wonderful man makes the point about life
Saturday, November 23, 2013
Happy Birthday Michel!
Today is the birthday of a very special friend.
We met 30 years ago. I was looking for a karate dojo. Tying to find one that suited my views on this martial art. The way he welcomed me was not too pleasant. I asked for a trial course, and he answered: "No trial course here". Then, I requested to at least watch the training. Answer: "Its NOT a show" I was baffled and turned my back to leave. He called me back and asked me if I had my karate-gi (kimono). I said I did so he told me to come over, but that I would suffer.
I suffered. A lot. And it was only the first time! But very soon, we became very good friends. I learned a lot with him. We were training 4 times a week, 2 hours sessions. As we were a very small group at the time, we would go very far. Training until total exhaustion. But what a fantastic personal, physical, and spiritual experience!.
In summer, we would go to special sessions with the most famous Japanese Senseis Karate, Like Taiji Kase, Enoeda and Shirai. I trained with Michel for 15 years. We lost touch for a few years and then reconnected a few years ago, when I became his English teacher.
Michel is a wonderful human being, intelligent, human, kind, and always eager to learn more about many subject and a very good father. Finally, he is also one of my best friend, who never let me down when times were hard. Thank you for being my friend!
We met 30 years ago. I was looking for a karate dojo. Tying to find one that suited my views on this martial art. The way he welcomed me was not too pleasant. I asked for a trial course, and he answered: "No trial course here". Then, I requested to at least watch the training. Answer: "Its NOT a show" I was baffled and turned my back to leave. He called me back and asked me if I had my karate-gi (kimono). I said I did so he told me to come over, but that I would suffer.
I suffered. A lot. And it was only the first time! But very soon, we became very good friends. I learned a lot with him. We were training 4 times a week, 2 hours sessions. As we were a very small group at the time, we would go very far. Training until total exhaustion. But what a fantastic personal, physical, and spiritual experience!.
In summer, we would go to special sessions with the most famous Japanese Senseis Karate, Like Taiji Kase, Enoeda and Shirai. I trained with Michel for 15 years. We lost touch for a few years and then reconnected a few years ago, when I became his English teacher.
Michel is a wonderful human being, intelligent, human, kind, and always eager to learn more about many subject and a very good father. Finally, he is also one of my best friend, who never let me down when times were hard. Thank you for being my friend!
Happy Birthday Michel,
and may life gives you what you deserve!
The picture below is a private joke!
 |
| From the heights of these pyramids, forty centuries look down on us |
Friday, November 22, 2013
I want you to stay sober, or the story of an abstinent alcoholic
Alcoholism is a plague, a terrible disease. And it can and does affect many people. Some people can drink moderately, even get a bit drunk from times to times, and not become alcoholics. Some other just can't, and I'm one of them. i started drinking years ago. For the taste, the pleasure, the feeling. Never I imagined where it would lead me. The bottom of the pit. Hell indeed.
Little by little, I began to drink more, and more. I couldn't spend a day without at least one drink. Then two. After a while, every evening, I would indulge in my bottle of wine. Then two. Plus beers, or cocktails, and whwisky during the day. And it escalated. I hated my life, and I hated my job. So I started to drink in the morning, One bottle of wine before leaving. At lunch, I would always eat alone, to hide my drinking from others.
Silently, I had become physically dependant. Hooked on the booze. I was drunk all day. Nobody could tell though. I was behaving normally, (apparently). Physical depndance is something I would not whis to my worst enemy. After work, and before getting my dose, I would shake violently, even unable to hold a glass in my hand, so using a straw. I was feling so bad that I tried to kill myself twice, with pills.
Conscious I had a big problem, I decided to seek help and turned myself in at a psychiatric hospital in Paris for rehab. After 3 weeks, I was set free from this place were all the doors are locked and the windows barred, telling myself never again. I relapsed 3 more times. The last one was the hardest. I started drinking again, and began to wake up in the middle of the night with terrible withdrawal symptoms. Luckily, if if may say, I always had a bottle at hand, so I would silently go into the living room to get my wine. In the morning, I would wait, shaking, for the supermarket to open. I was drinking at least 4 litres a day.
One night, I decided I had enough. Packed a suitcase, and, the morning after, went again to the psych ward. I waited many hours to have a bed, and was in a semi coma when I finally got some anti withdrawal drugs. I slept 19 hours for a week
My doctor there had little hope for me. I was badly anaemic, and not willing to live any more.
But this time, it did the trick. On the 14th December 2012, I left the hospital with some medicines, including baclofene. I had lost everything. My job, all my money, and my self respect. I slowly began to rebuilt myself, with the help of my doctors, a very good online support group, and the little number of friends I still have.
Nearly one year later, I'm finally happy. Totally sober. Not a drop. I have plans; this blog is one of theses.
I wanted to write this story. I needed to. But I would like also to convey a message. If you have a drinking problem, get treated. As soon as possible. Once you realize it, do not wait. Get help. Being sober again, and rebuilding yourself may not be easy, but it is a definite path to a more balance life and happiness.
There are many groups that can help, and some new drugs like baclofene to curb your cravings.
There is hope
http://alcool-info-service.fr/
les centres d'aide
Help to quit drinking
helplines USA
Little by little, I began to drink more, and more. I couldn't spend a day without at least one drink. Then two. After a while, every evening, I would indulge in my bottle of wine. Then two. Plus beers, or cocktails, and whwisky during the day. And it escalated. I hated my life, and I hated my job. So I started to drink in the morning, One bottle of wine before leaving. At lunch, I would always eat alone, to hide my drinking from others.
Silently, I had become physically dependant. Hooked on the booze. I was drunk all day. Nobody could tell though. I was behaving normally, (apparently). Physical depndance is something I would not whis to my worst enemy. After work, and before getting my dose, I would shake violently, even unable to hold a glass in my hand, so using a straw. I was feling so bad that I tried to kill myself twice, with pills.
Conscious I had a big problem, I decided to seek help and turned myself in at a psychiatric hospital in Paris for rehab. After 3 weeks, I was set free from this place were all the doors are locked and the windows barred, telling myself never again. I relapsed 3 more times. The last one was the hardest. I started drinking again, and began to wake up in the middle of the night with terrible withdrawal symptoms. Luckily, if if may say, I always had a bottle at hand, so I would silently go into the living room to get my wine. In the morning, I would wait, shaking, for the supermarket to open. I was drinking at least 4 litres a day.
One night, I decided I had enough. Packed a suitcase, and, the morning after, went again to the psych ward. I waited many hours to have a bed, and was in a semi coma when I finally got some anti withdrawal drugs. I slept 19 hours for a week
My doctor there had little hope for me. I was badly anaemic, and not willing to live any more.
But this time, it did the trick. On the 14th December 2012, I left the hospital with some medicines, including baclofene. I had lost everything. My job, all my money, and my self respect. I slowly began to rebuilt myself, with the help of my doctors, a very good online support group, and the little number of friends I still have.
Nearly one year later, I'm finally happy. Totally sober. Not a drop. I have plans; this blog is one of theses.
I wanted to write this story. I needed to. But I would like also to convey a message. If you have a drinking problem, get treated. As soon as possible. Once you realize it, do not wait. Get help. Being sober again, and rebuilding yourself may not be easy, but it is a definite path to a more balance life and happiness.
There are many groups that can help, and some new drugs like baclofene to curb your cravings.
There is hope
http://alcool-info-service.fr/
les centres d'aide
Help to quit drinking
helplines USA
Food banks, poverty and other musings
This week, I did something that I never thought of doing. Going to register at a food bank. Hardships of life, illness, unemployment and over debts led me to a situation where, without help, my mum and myself would not have enough to eat.
I went to the social services at first, but thy told me bluntly that we could not have any food package. I was pretty desperate.
Then, luckily, I found a charity called the Restos du Coeur. It was founded by a comic actor called Coluche who realized one day, that there was a lot of people who hadn't enough to eat. In a year, it became one of the largest food bank in France, giving tons of foods to people in need.
Believe me, It was not easy for me going there, but they welcomed me in such a kind and human way that it was fantastic.
After filling some papers to prove our financial status, I was given a card that entitles me to get some food weekly for two. Until March. So we are safe this winter. Thanks to this marvellous charity.
Below is a very nice experiment done for TV. It will show you that people have a good heart.
It will cheer you up !
I went to the social services at first, but thy told me bluntly that we could not have any food package. I was pretty desperate.
Then, luckily, I found a charity called the Restos du Coeur. It was founded by a comic actor called Coluche who realized one day, that there was a lot of people who hadn't enough to eat. In a year, it became one of the largest food bank in France, giving tons of foods to people in need.
Believe me, It was not easy for me going there, but they welcomed me in such a kind and human way that it was fantastic.
After filling some papers to prove our financial status, I was given a card that entitles me to get some food weekly for two. Until March. So we are safe this winter. Thanks to this marvellous charity.
Below is a very nice experiment done for TV. It will show you that people have a good heart.
It will cheer you up !
Thursday, November 21, 2013
I love Maths
Writing I love Maths is something I would not have though possible 40 years ago. I always was a bug failure at Maths. My grades averaged something like 4/20, and usually close to 0/20. I duscovered the pure beauty of maths much later in life. When I understood WHY and not HOW.
Let me give you an example: PI: 3.14156. Did you ever wonder why is pi is equal to 3.14156? I did, and asked my math teacher when I was 12. Well he was not a very good teacher and decided that it was NOT a question to ask. He threatened to punish me if I asked again. I discovered the truths years later. 3.14156 was the ration between the perimeter and the diameter; Simple. Luminous! Clear!
But the mind of many maths teacher does not function like that. They don't want you to know WHY. They just want you to apply a formula and shut up. It works with some, but not with me. I would probably have been much better at maths if I had been taught the WHY and not only the HOW. And I'm not the only one!
Below is a fascinating 6mn talk about Fibonacci numbers. Don't be frightened. The mathematician is entertaining. And wait for the end. It may be an epiphany if you are interested in the Golden Number.
Let me give you an example: PI: 3.14156. Did you ever wonder why is pi is equal to 3.14156? I did, and asked my math teacher when I was 12. Well he was not a very good teacher and decided that it was NOT a question to ask. He threatened to punish me if I asked again. I discovered the truths years later. 3.14156 was the ration between the perimeter and the diameter; Simple. Luminous! Clear!
But the mind of many maths teacher does not function like that. They don't want you to know WHY. They just want you to apply a formula and shut up. It works with some, but not with me. I would probably have been much better at maths if I had been taught the WHY and not only the HOW. And I'm not the only one!
Below is a fascinating 6mn talk about Fibonacci numbers. Don't be frightened. The mathematician is entertaining. And wait for the end. It may be an epiphany if you are interested in the Golden Number.
Monday, November 18, 2013
Why I’m an agnostic
For years, I have been a believer. Christian, Reformed Protestant. Going to church regularly, praying, and reading the Bible. I also studied seriously many sacred books from different religions: Buddhism, Hinduism, Judaism, Islam, and a few others. And then around 50, I became an agnostic.
I lost faith. Not because of hardships in life, even if I had my share, to say the least, but because I realised that I was illogical.
Now don’t get me wrong. I have the utmost respect for the people who have faith in a god, or, for atheists, who, in my opining have a faith themselves. (the faith that there is no god). Whatever they believe, it is their choice and who would I be to criticize them. But for me, it does not work like that. It is totally personal, and I don’t look upon on people who do not share the same idea.
First of all what is agnosticism
agnosticism, (from Greek agnōstos, “unknowable”), strictly speaking, the doctrine that humans cannot know of the existence of anything beyond the phenomena of their experience. The term has come to be equated in popular parlance with scepticism about religious questions in general and in particular with the rejection of traditional Christian beliefs under the impact of modern scientific thought. http://global.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/9356/agnosticism
This is the accepted definition of agnosticism. Personally, I differ quite a lot from this definition, as I do not know if the existence or non-existence of god(s) is unknowable. We may, in the future, come with an answer to this question, even if I find it doubtful.
Why I became an agnostic
The reason why I became an agnostic is about intellectual honesty. I cannot assure that there is or there isn’t a god. It is all about belief, and I cannot hold a belief as a certainty.
I did in the past, relying on my heart, on my beliefs, and probably on my education. But now, it is just impossible. This is why I lost my faith. Not because I’m disgruntle or bitter about god, or because I believe « He » does not exist. Just because I realised that I would be unreasonable in asserting the fact of the existence of a higher power.
I am even going further questioning reality. It’s a fascinating idea that, luckily does not stopped me from sleeping at night or living a normal life.
This is not a comfortable position. That’s for sure. It would be definitely easier for me to get comfort in the belief that a god exists, or doe not. Why am I calling atheism a faith? that’s simple, the atheists believe there is no god, as the theists believe there is one. This is not pertaining to reason but to beliefs. Bring me one theist or one atheist who can prove me they are right and I might change my mind. I am still waiting to meet one.
Of course, Christians, for example, will tell you they have the Bible to prove it, but the Muslims will say the same thing with the Koran,and the Hindus with the Baghavad Gita and so on, and the atheists will claim that these books are man made and not divinely inspired. So who is right? Nobody.! They all have their belief, and their beliefs do not pertain to reason. I’m not saying they are wrong to think as they do. It’s their life and their problem I just say it does not works for me any more.
Now let’s be clear. The sacred books have a definite interest. Historical, philosophical, sociological. The messages of the Torah, Christ, Mahomet, Krishna, Buddha etc., convey some very good ideas. Mainly about peace and respect of others - when it is not distorted by religious people to prove they are the chosen ones and that the unbelievers have to live by their laws - but according to reason, it remains books, written by human beings, some of them wise, some of them fools, and some of them acting for political reasons. Are they divinely inspired? Maybe. If there is a god of course! We come back to the same question
Agnosticism in the life of the city
The regimes in theocratic or atheist governments, or wannabe , have always become more or less dictatorial and antidemocratic. This is one reason I think that agnosticism is what should be a standard in governing a state. It does not negate religion, everyone is entitled to his own beliefs, but these beliefs should not be enforced on the community. Live and let live as long as it dos not infer on the freedom of others.
This is not easy. We have seen that in France with the debate on the Muslim veil in schools. I am not sure what to think of it. Should teenagers be allowed to wear a veil at school, as long as it does not infer with their education or the freedom of others? I think so. But we again come back to a matter of reason and balance between the secular and the religious.
Science versus religion
Contrary to religion, science is, or should be, an attempt to demonstrate truths about the universe by a logical process. Theory, experimentation, and return to theory. I say an attempt for obvious reasons. Man is not and has never been completely able to be always right as his knowledge is in perpetual evolution, and I’m not talking about scientists motivated by politics, theism or atheism. Lysenko and Kepler are perfect example. I’m not comparing them of course. On the contrary religion, theist or atheist tends to adapt scientific facts to their beliefs often twisting the truths to fit in. Evolution vs creationism for instance. Stricts atheist will say that evolution proves the inexistence of god, and Christian theists that creationism is right because it is in the Bible. In fact, evolution theory, (that seems to be scientifically established but has to be perfected) does not demonstrate the inexistence of an intelligent design. What I believe about this subject is irrelevant to this discussion. In fact I just don’t know if there is a creator or not
Taking agnosticism even further. What is real?
this takes us back to the subject of agnosticism. Always challenge facts that you can’t demonstrate scientifically or logically. This can leads to the extreme. Challenging everything. For instance, what is reality? Obviously, what I see, hear, smell, touch or taste is not the same that someone else will experience. It can go even further. Time for instance is different for everyone. The notion of time itself can be, and is by some scientists, considered as irrelevant. (hours, minutes, seconds, etc is totally subjective. Man made to suit our needs).
And to conclude let’s ponder a moment on these ideas:
Could we not be the dream of someone else who wakes up when we die? Inside the Matrix? Or the experiment of a mad scientist?
This, my friends, has no answer yet!
I lost faith. Not because of hardships in life, even if I had my share, to say the least, but because I realised that I was illogical.
Now don’t get me wrong. I have the utmost respect for the people who have faith in a god, or, for atheists, who, in my opining have a faith themselves. (the faith that there is no god). Whatever they believe, it is their choice and who would I be to criticize them. But for me, it does not work like that. It is totally personal, and I don’t look upon on people who do not share the same idea.
First of all what is agnosticism
agnosticism, (from Greek agnōstos, “unknowable”), strictly speaking, the doctrine that humans cannot know of the existence of anything beyond the phenomena of their experience. The term has come to be equated in popular parlance with scepticism about religious questions in general and in particular with the rejection of traditional Christian beliefs under the impact of modern scientific thought. http://global.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/9356/agnosticism
This is the accepted definition of agnosticism. Personally, I differ quite a lot from this definition, as I do not know if the existence or non-existence of god(s) is unknowable. We may, in the future, come with an answer to this question, even if I find it doubtful.
Why I became an agnostic
The reason why I became an agnostic is about intellectual honesty. I cannot assure that there is or there isn’t a god. It is all about belief, and I cannot hold a belief as a certainty.
I did in the past, relying on my heart, on my beliefs, and probably on my education. But now, it is just impossible. This is why I lost my faith. Not because I’m disgruntle or bitter about god, or because I believe « He » does not exist. Just because I realised that I would be unreasonable in asserting the fact of the existence of a higher power.
I am even going further questioning reality. It’s a fascinating idea that, luckily does not stopped me from sleeping at night or living a normal life.
This is not a comfortable position. That’s for sure. It would be definitely easier for me to get comfort in the belief that a god exists, or doe not. Why am I calling atheism a faith? that’s simple, the atheists believe there is no god, as the theists believe there is one. This is not pertaining to reason but to beliefs. Bring me one theist or one atheist who can prove me they are right and I might change my mind. I am still waiting to meet one.
Of course, Christians, for example, will tell you they have the Bible to prove it, but the Muslims will say the same thing with the Koran,and the Hindus with the Baghavad Gita and so on, and the atheists will claim that these books are man made and not divinely inspired. So who is right? Nobody.! They all have their belief, and their beliefs do not pertain to reason. I’m not saying they are wrong to think as they do. It’s their life and their problem I just say it does not works for me any more.
Now let’s be clear. The sacred books have a definite interest. Historical, philosophical, sociological. The messages of the Torah, Christ, Mahomet, Krishna, Buddha etc., convey some very good ideas. Mainly about peace and respect of others - when it is not distorted by religious people to prove they are the chosen ones and that the unbelievers have to live by their laws - but according to reason, it remains books, written by human beings, some of them wise, some of them fools, and some of them acting for political reasons. Are they divinely inspired? Maybe. If there is a god of course! We come back to the same question
Agnosticism in the life of the city
The regimes in theocratic or atheist governments, or wannabe , have always become more or less dictatorial and antidemocratic. This is one reason I think that agnosticism is what should be a standard in governing a state. It does not negate religion, everyone is entitled to his own beliefs, but these beliefs should not be enforced on the community. Live and let live as long as it dos not infer on the freedom of others.
This is not easy. We have seen that in France with the debate on the Muslim veil in schools. I am not sure what to think of it. Should teenagers be allowed to wear a veil at school, as long as it does not infer with their education or the freedom of others? I think so. But we again come back to a matter of reason and balance between the secular and the religious.
Science versus religion
Contrary to religion, science is, or should be, an attempt to demonstrate truths about the universe by a logical process. Theory, experimentation, and return to theory. I say an attempt for obvious reasons. Man is not and has never been completely able to be always right as his knowledge is in perpetual evolution, and I’m not talking about scientists motivated by politics, theism or atheism. Lysenko and Kepler are perfect example. I’m not comparing them of course. On the contrary religion, theist or atheist tends to adapt scientific facts to their beliefs often twisting the truths to fit in. Evolution vs creationism for instance. Stricts atheist will say that evolution proves the inexistence of god, and Christian theists that creationism is right because it is in the Bible. In fact, evolution theory, (that seems to be scientifically established but has to be perfected) does not demonstrate the inexistence of an intelligent design. What I believe about this subject is irrelevant to this discussion. In fact I just don’t know if there is a creator or not
Taking agnosticism even further. What is real?
this takes us back to the subject of agnosticism. Always challenge facts that you can’t demonstrate scientifically or logically. This can leads to the extreme. Challenging everything. For instance, what is reality? Obviously, what I see, hear, smell, touch or taste is not the same that someone else will experience. It can go even further. Time for instance is different for everyone. The notion of time itself can be, and is by some scientists, considered as irrelevant. (hours, minutes, seconds, etc is totally subjective. Man made to suit our needs).
And to conclude let’s ponder a moment on these ideas:
Could we not be the dream of someone else who wakes up when we die? Inside the Matrix? Or the experiment of a mad scientist?
This, my friends, has no answer yet!
Bad parenting
Seriously, I just can't stand these parents who, hooked on their cell phone, window shopping, or just not caring, don't watch their kid in the street. And of course, they yell at the child if he takes risks or misbehave.
Procrastination
This has been my major flaw ever; I do believe that I should have been born a day earlier, if it had not been for procrastination. On the other hand, it has it's good sides, some people are still alive because I delayed their murder indefinitely. (you know who you are)
“I love deadlines. I love the whooshing noise they make as they go by.”
― Douglas Adams, The Salmon of Doubt
― Douglas Adams, The Salmon of Doubt
Sunday, November 17, 2013
Reactivation of this blog
Finally, I decided to reactivate this sleeping blog.
I hope to update it regularly with pictures, article, good links and videos.
For today a fantastic site called Upworthy. It is one of the best inspirational site of the web. It will make you think, smile or cry. This is one of the videos I found there
Enjoy!
For today a fantastic site called Upworthy. It is one of the best inspirational site of the web. It will make you think, smile or cry. This is one of the videos I found there
Enjoy!
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